Topgolf hits sweet spot

By Paul Grisanti

I believe that the Louisville Planning Commission got the decision right regarding the Topgolf development. What better way to backfill a vacant mall use than to fill it with a vibrant business which will bring life back to the area, and spur other development along the way.

Paul Grisanti

While I respect the neighbor’s concerns, I think that the opposition has been a bit unbalanced about the potential nuisance factor.

This property was already developed and now sits vacant. Vacant properties are more of a blight to property values and neighborhoods than a vibrant business. The opposition’s suggestion about developing the area at I-64 and I-264 would have a far greater impact on the environment that the current proposal will have. The former Sears store is already developed along with the large parking field. To allow this to just sit would be wasteful.

The development must meet certain requirements regarding noise and lighting, and the operators of Topgolf should be held accountable for these items. And you can bet you will hear about it if they do not comply.

The traffic is already existing in the area, so this should not be a factor. I have a hard time believing that the customers of Topgolf will traverse through Hurstbourne and Oxmoor residential developments. That is just too much trouble.

Finally, Louisville must welcome venues such as Topgolf to show that we are open for business. I anticipate that Steve Porter and his group will file suit if/when the Metro Council votes for the Planning Commission’s recommendation. I hope that they will be dissuaded from taking this action. It will only reinforce the stigma that Louisville’s planning process is slow, outdated, and out of touch.